I haven't finished the game yet, but I don't think my review would change much if I had.

Blasphemous, as a metroidvania, is pretty mediocre. And I don't mean it in a bad way. You do metroidvania things and the game handles those elements very well. I have little problem with the game design in of itself. And the balance of difficulty is just right for me and is also adjustable not via some menu but through in-game elements, which is pretty awesome. Normally in the presence of this type of design, the player is incentivised to take as much advantage as possible, but Blasphemous has managed to avoid that by providing incentives to avoid taking advantage of things that would make the game easier as well, which blends perfectly with the philosophical undertones of the story!

The setting and the overall aesthetic direction of this game however, are fantastic. Almost breathtaking, actually. Every screenshot could be a wallpaper, especially in the cinematics. The music fits perfectly as well. I am a big fan of Spanish guitar and dabble in it myself, and the soundtrack is derivative of classical Spanish music. Blasphemous is quintessentially European and particularly Catholic. I am from northern Europe and I couldn't tell the difference between Spanish or Italian Catholic aesthetic sense, but I can at least recognise as much. The developers are Spanish themselves, and I couldn't help but go with the Spanish voices for immersion. I think there is a shortage of these types of games that are made by the people of a particular culture, about their own culture and religion. I am reminded of many Japanese games, but as for Europe we have great games like Disco Elysium (made by my fellow countrymen!), Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, and many British and viking themed games (although the viking theme is quite popular and being milked for money unfortunately. I'm looking at you, Tribes of Midgard).

But there are not so many games that are quite overtly and unapologetically Christian. Actually, I can't think of any at the moment. Spain and Italy are the places where Catholicism is truly at home and can be witnessed for what it truly is. Blasphemous does not shy away from the deeper, darker elements of Catholicism where it sensually dances with ancient Mediterranean paganism. Which is quite a... blasphemous analysis, so make of it what you will. This kind of stuff really gets me going. I am actually sweating just thinking about this, lads.